Sometimes, when you think about it, wanting to be a parent makes no sense. Parenting is hard work, you’re constantly being judged by others and yourself, it takes decades, it’s expensive, requires loads of personal sacrifices (emotionally, physically, mentally and financially), and the list could go on.
So why is it that we have children? Why is it that we want to be parents? Why is it about parenting that people love? There are probably as many answers to this as there are people. Here’s mine.
Children are people. Their lives are as significant and important as anybody’s. They are people who are developing and growing, just like the rest of us.
During our quick bedtime story tonight, I asked my boys what they thought was the most amazing thing God created. M said the rainbow. N couldn’t decide. E was bouncing on the bed. As we read the story, they were reminded, along with me, that people are amazing.
Not only that, everyone is extraordinary. As C.S. Lewis puts it, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” ~ The Weight of Glory, (HarperOne,2001), pp.45-46, from The Gospel Coalition.
Then he says, much to this mummy blogger’s delight, “We must play”. If we genuinely respect, value and love each other, that is what we do. We play as equals. “No flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.”
Yes, kids are expensive. Yes, parenting is hard work. Yes, my conversation about Superman and Batman with my children is not intellectually riveting. However, it is breath taking to contemplate, even for a moment, the glorious beings they were created to be. And … I get to be their parent and play with them!
What do you enjoy about being a parent?
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